Legislation that provides new scheduling options in Division I men's basketball for the 2020-21 academic year was passed by the Division I Council on Friday.
Last June, the Council introduced the proposal, which was recommended by the Division I Men's Basketball Oversight Committee, but the issue underwent thorough discussion by the membership before the vote.
The Council vote is subject to review by the NCAA Board of Directors and isn't considered final until the conclusion of that board's meeting on Wednesday, April 29.
If the vote holds, Division I men's basketball programs will be allowed to schedule up to 28 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to three games; 29 regular-season games and a multiple-team event that includes up to two games; or 29 regular-season games when the team does not participate in a multiple-team event.
Additional multiple-team event criteria include:
- The event must be sponsored by the NCAA, an active member or member conference, or the NABC.
- Teams may participate, per conference and by school, not more than once in the same event in any four-year period.
- All participating institutions must use the same maximum contest limit.
A three-game multiple-team event must conclude within 10 days. - A two-game multiple-team event must conclude within five days.
- All schools must participate in the same number of games in the event.
- Non-Division I institutions may participate only if the institution is serving as host of the event.
The legislation is intended to improve the multiple-team event environment and eliminate tack-on games that are not considered to be a legitimate part of an event. The new legislation also gives teams increased control and flexibility over scheduling when, where and who to play in an additional one or two regular-season games.
An amendment proposed by the Missouri Valley, Atlantic 10, Big Sky, Big South, Mid-American, Mountain West and Western Athletic conferences that would have eliminated the 29-plus-two scheduling option was defeated by the Council.
"The new legislation preserves and strengthens the multiple-team event season that is so important and exciting for college basketball teams and fans," said Judy MacLeod, commissioner of Conference USA and chair of the Men's Basketball Oversight Committee. "The Men's Basketball Oversight Committee spent a considerable amount of time in reviewing the multiple-team event legislation thoroughly and diligently over the last two years. We appreciate the engagement and feedback from coaches, administrators and event operators in helping the oversight committee develop a legislative solution that simplifies and provides season highlights for the student-athlete experience."